A New Theory on Second Language Speech Acquisition

Latest research by UNIC’s Dr Georgios Georgiou featured in the International Quarterly of Cognitive Science

In recent years, models of second language (L2) speech acquisition have been developed that are based on specific psycholinguistic theories. These models aim to predict the abilities of non-native speakers to perceiving or producing L2 sounds. Dr George Georgiou from the Department of Languages and Literature, University of Nicosia, has developed and tested a new theory on L2 speech acquisition, which provides a novel approach regarding the function of speech perception mechanisms. Its design began in 2019 and was completed in 2021. The new theory was published in the prestigious scientific journal Cognitive Processing – International Quarterly of Cognitive Science.

About the Universal Perceptual Model (UPM)

Based on this new theory, Dr Georgiou has developed the Universal Perceptual Model, which relies on the Universal Theory of speech perception and, specifically, on the Functional Reorganization Hypothesis. In particular, the model suggests that the sounds of a non-native language are not lost after the first 6 months of life, but instead remain in our brains as inactive and disoriented phonetic units which are activated upon L2 learning onset, and are oriented toward native productions as L2 experience increases.

The Universal Perception Model can be a useful model that aims to better explain the mechanisms and patterns of speech perception and to improve pedagogical practice. It becomes clear that by comparing the phonological systems of first and second language, the model can successfully predict the ability of learners to perceiving L2 sounds. Also, the theoretical background of the model may influence pedagogical practice in the direction of enhancing the teaching of pronunciation, as it argues that the acquisition of pronunciation is possible across any age range. The pedagogical practice can also use the predictions of the model to identify possible difficulties of non-native speakers in the perception of L2 sounds. Therefore, the teaching material can be oriented in a specific direction, in order to improve speech perception and, at a later stage, speech production, as well as to enhance the learners’ writing and reading skills.

About Cognitive Processing — International Quarterly of Cognitive Science

Cognitive Processing is a peer-reviewed international journal that publishes innovative contributions in the multidisciplinary field of cognitive science. Its main purpose is to stimulate research and scientific interaction through communication between specialists in different fields on topics of common interest and to promote an interdisciplinary understanding of the diverse topics in contemporary cognitive science.

Access Dr Georgiou’s latest paper here: